Few Easy-to-Follow Tips to Help Kick-Start You into

The World of Talk Radio and Television

The first tip is to stay current; you must steadily follow the news. What is being talked about in the media? What are people interested in? What’s today’s buzz? What makes this so important? Because, talk radio is all about the latest events and what is occurring in the world around us. Current events in health, culture, education, politics, in sports, and weather, for when knowing what’s current, you can fine-tune your message to fit the news…making you an appealing guest for most talk shows. Listen to what the hot topics are on local and national networks and cable news channels, in addition check out news web sites, magazines and newspapers. Take time and listen to talk radio, listen closely to what is talked about and what interest their audiences. Tune in to television talk shows, local and national, find out what is being discussed, and get a real feel for the public listening in. In most cases a producer or host, when calling for a potential guest, likely the first question ask will be, do you watch the show? So take time to watch and become familiar with the topics, the host and the whole make-up of the show… "A no-brainer right?"

The second tip is to streamline the key message, as you follow the hottest stories in the news, think of ways you can link it with your book. Look for controversial issues, that involve education, the environment, celebrities, money topics or relationship issues…which always are appealing topics for many talk show hosts (and their audiences). Developing a good point of view that’s newsworthy may land you a spot on the air.

The third tip is as you develop your message, keep in mind it is not what a radio host can do for you, the host are more interested in what you, the guest can offer their listeners. They want an interesting interview, not an infomercial. So, when giving your pitch to a host or producer, put emphasis on the issue you want to discuss on the show, rather than on your book. Most producers or host once convinced, you will be a good guest, and once on the air they will gladly plug your book, in addition announce your web site address and where it can be picked up.

The fourth tip is to remember that there is nothing more important than a well-written press release - it’s your main access to the media. A good press release has everything to do with being booked as a guest or- not. You want to make sure your hook- (the first and most compelling line of press release) is captivating - to grab the media’s attention. In your text, be sure to detail the subject matter and what the conversation will entail. It also never hurts to include a couple of dynamic quotes. And lastly, include a short bio, synopsis of your book and include 5 or more specific questions you’d like the host to ask during the interview, in turn understanding the decision to use them-or not is left to their discretion.

The last key tip is take the publicity tips you've learned, with a renewed confidence, a big smile, and a winning personality and get out there and make it happen!

No experience with the media – not to fret or let that stop you! Even though there is much more to master, using these few easy-to-follow tips can help kick-start you into the world of talk radio and television. Once implementing these few tips and with a little more practice, you soon will become very media savvy.

So as you can see, the winning combination is apparent - if your message has mass appeal, you know how to utilize the media to reach your targeted audience, its nothing less then a sure-fire recipe for success!

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Article- August 19, 2008